Aberdeen accountant is top of the world

United Kingdom 23 Sep 2013

This is an outstanding achievement for Stephen. Finishing top in one of the exams you sit on the journey to becoming a qualified ACCA accountant is something to be celebrated, but to do this twice in one sitting is hugely impressive. Stephen is clearly demonstrating great commitment and talent in his studies, and I have no doubt that he brings the same to his job

—Craig Vickery, head of ACCA Scotland

Stephen Jackson from EY Aberdeen has achieved the unique feat of finishing first in the world in not just one but two ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exams. A total of 30,000 students sat the two papers.

Stephen finished top in both his Advanced Performance Management and Advanced Audit and Assurance exams.

Craig Vickery, head of ACCA Scotland said: 'This is an outstanding achievement for Stephen. Finishing top in one of the exams you sit on the journey to becoming a qualified ACCA accountant is something to be celebrated, but to do this twice in one sitting is hugely impressive. Stephen is clearly demonstrating great commitment and talent in his studies, and I have no doubt that he brings the same to his job.

'EY must be delighted that they have such a talented accountant on their staff. Stephen has now concluded his studies and I look forward to officially welcoming him to our global body of members at the new member celebration in Edinburgh in November.'

Derek Leith, EY Aberdeen office managing partner, said: 'This is a tremendous achievement; one I'd go as far as describing as truly unique. Stephen deserves to be recognised for his achievements and there are plans to celebrate his efforts with a presentation at our UK headquarters in London. EY is committed to recruiting the best and brightest young talent, a position that Stephen unquestionably occupies. We are all immensely proud of him.'

Prior to studying ACCA, Stephen was a telecommunications manager in Madrid. However when the financial crisis hit he took voluntary redundancy. He took the opportunity for a career change and to develop his skills by studying for a qualification that is recognised and respected across the world. He secured a position on a training scheme run by EY who have supported him throughout his studies.